Moving to Brisbane: Tips and Tricks for Moving to Brisbane

Moving to Brisbane? Get ready to say goodbye to winter as you know it! Queensland’s ‘River City’ is a sunny, cosmopolitan place with all the perks of the big smoke, but retains a relaxed, holiday spirit.

Maybe it’s the weather, the laid-back locals, or the ample green spaces that contribute to the vibe. Whatever it is, Brisbane offers easy living at its best, so you can look forward to an easier, stress free life. For a smooth transition, here’s our advice for moving to Brisbane.

Finding a Home in Brisbane

Brisbane is quite a bit smaller than Sydney or Melbourne, so finding an affordable home within easy distance of the CBD is much easier to do. From sprawling suburbs dotted with renovated, Queenslander-style houses, to brand new apartments within steps of the city action, there’s a smorgasbord of options.

Renting in Brisbane

Rental reports reveal Brisbane is one of the cheapest capital cities to rent in the entire country. The median price for units is $390 per week, while houses are around $450. However, head to the outer suburbs and you’ll find prices drop considerably.

If you’re looking to save money on accommodation, hook up with others on a property search via Flatmates and Flatmate Finders. You can find rooms in established share houses for as little as $120 per week, or like-minded flatmates to sign a lease with and split the costs.

Buying Property in Brisbane

Southeast Queensland has been on the radar for property investors for some time, as a region projected for growth, while still offering affordable housing. The median house price is $665,000 and units sell on average at $480,000.

However, if you’re only looking for a one bedroom apartment, you can expect to pay around $300,000. The best way to start your search is by taking a look at realestate.com.au and Domain at homes in your price bracket, and research appropriate suburbs from there.

Brisbane Suburb Guides

There are literally hundreds of suburbs in Brisbane to choose from, so the easiest way to narrow it down is by deciding whether you want suburban sprawl, inner city lifestyle or a blend of both. No matter where you are, you’ll be within about an hour’s drive of the Sunshine and Gold Coasts, so spectacular beaches are always a weekend option.Here’s a look at some of the most popular areas, to suit a range of needs.

New Farm

If you’re looking for the ‘hip factor’, trendy New Farm offers it in spades. One of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods, its riverfront location, heritage-listed sites, tree-lined streets, galleries and gourmet cafes make it a haven for artists and locals looking for the good life. It’s just two kilometres east of the CBD, so whether you need medical, educational, recreational or work-related infrastructure, you’ll find it close by.

Kelvin Grove

For those looking to be close to Uni, Kelvin Grove is home to a Queensland University of Technology campus. While a student focus adds to a vibrant atmosphere, this suburb is well-established and a haven for families as well. It’s located in the hills behind the CBD, offering modern apartment blocks, lovely old Queenslanders and plenty of lush, green pathways. The Kelvin Grove Urban Village boasts markets, cafes, shops and restaurants.

Northern Suburbs

Brisbane’s northern suburbs put you that little bit closer to the beaches of the Sunshine Coast and radiate a family-friendly ambience. If you choose the north, you’ll still be within a 15 to 30 minute drive from the CBD, so you can have your little slice of suburbia and still easily access the bright lights of the city.

Chermside

Notable for the gigantic Westfield Chermside Shopping Centre, Prince Charles Hospital, and the Chermside Aquatic Centre, families flock to live in this Brisbane suburb. It’s around 12 kilometres from the CBD and there are plenty of townhouses, apartments and large brick homes to occupy. The local Craigslea State High School is ranked highly in Queensland and Chermside Hills Reserves offers bush walking and bird watching.

Hendra

Hendra is a hub for restaurants, pubs, and entertainment, with the Doomben Racecourse as the star attraction. It was originally a farming district, so families still find peace and quiet just six kilometres from the CBD. Locals in the know will also tell you it’s Brisbane’s best suburb for coffee, with an array of charming cafes all within walking distance of each other.

Southern Suburbs

Brisbane’s southern suburbs are an easy drive down the highway to the theme parks and beaches of the Gold Coast, while still being within a half hour commute of the CBD. Suburbs here characterised by parks, local shopping centres, and family-oriented activities.

Mount Gravatt

Mount Gravatt offers incredible views from a famous lookout, hilly streets and a suburban environment just 10 kilometres from the city. It’s home to Westfield Garden City, one of Brisbane’s main shopping centres. You’ll also find Griffith University, the highly ranked Clairvaux Mackillop College and Mount Gravatt State School.

Calamvale

A quiet, residential neighbourhood, Calamvale is located in the midst of native bushland areas and close to the motorways to travel to the Gold Coast or the CBD. The Calamvale District Park offers an incredible playground for kids and the eco-friendly Golden Pond Wetlands runs through the suburb, complete with ducks, turtles, and water dragons. Schools include the Calamvale Community College, Stretton State College, and Calamvale Special School.

Getting Around Brisbane

Brisbane offers a train and bus network that will get you around the city and throughout most suburbs. You’ll need a go card for travel on all public transport.

When it comes to buying a car, onsite parking can be tricky to find especially in apartment blocks near the city. Combined with public transport, you can save money on the costs of running a car with GoGet. You’ll find over 100 GoGet share cars in convenient spots across Brisbane, including CBD car parks, IKEA, major shopping centres, and the airport.

GoGet members can use our cars by the hour or by the day, making every trip easy and cheap – and never pay for fuel or maintenance again!

We have a super special offer for Brisbane residents. Join our GoFrequent plan – which has our cheapest hourly rates – and we’ll waive the $30 monthly fee for the first 6 months!

Finding Work in Brisbane

Because of strong population growth, there’s lots of funding going into infrastructure in Brisbane. Some of the key industries include construction, education, health, finance, retail, hospitality, and transport. Opportunities for careers are currently good and set to increase in the future.

To find work in Brisbane, join job sites like Seek, Indeed and CareerOne. Though it’s a big city networking goes a long way, so don’t be afraid to get out and about to meet people within your industry. Brisbanites tend to be a friendly bunch. You’ll find government assistance for jobs in Queensland here.

Viva Brisvegas!

After moving to Brisbane, you’ll be set to enjoy sun-drenched days at Southbank Parklands, world-class theatre and museums, high-energy sports stadiums, an edgy night scene, and leafy, suburban living.

Brisbane really is one of the best cities in the world, and you’ll probably find it hard to regret the move.

And remember, we have a super special offer for Brisbane residents. Join our GoFrequent plan – which has our cheapest hourly rates – and we’ll waive the $30 monthly fee for the first 6 months!

Tim is an ex-journalist and radio presenter, and has been a professional writer for over a decade. He regularly writes about technology, lifestyle, and smart cities, and has written for news site including the ABC, SBS, and Australian Financial Review.